Napoleon on campaign : classic images of Napoleon at war

183 Pages·2014·17.32 MB·English

by  Napoleon I

HARRIET CARRUTHERS is a T
professional writer, researcher and hese are the
historian, who after discovering her magnificent works of
love of history and military art at Detaille, Meissonier,
college in Oxford began work with a Vernet, Lady Butler, Hillingford
military publisher in Warwickshire. and many of the other artists who
Here she specialises in Second sought to capture on canvas the
World War history. However, after most celebrated incidents of the
touching upon one of Napoleon’s Napoleonic Wars. Through their
many campaigns she felt compelled battle paintings these great artists
to discover more about this intriguing tell an intriguing tale of power,
figure, his life and his loves. Harriet greatness, greed and hubris. Each
is currently working on her second image is captivating in its own way
release, expected summer 2014. and opens the door to a bygone
world of martial splendour.
The rise and fall of Napoleon makes
for a gripping and tragic story, and
these great works inside are arranged
chronologically in order to let the
images do the talking and provide
an opportunity to allow the reader a
unique chance to revel in the glorious
and timeless work of the artists.
Gathered together in a single volume
for the first time, this wonderful book
makes essential reading for anyone with
an interest in the Napoleonic era.
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This edition published in 2014 by
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Published under licence by Pen & Sword Books Ltd.
ISBN: 9781783462506
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Introduction
T
he fascinating wealth of imagery created by nineteenth century artists as they strived to chronicle
the lives of the Emperor Napoleon I could fill a dozen volumes such as this. The aspirations of the
artists varied widely, some saw themselves as presenting a realistic chronicle of events, whilst others
sought to romanticise a great man, or simply to create a striking piece of art upon a subject they found inspiring. Of
what we can be sure is that each image is captivating in its own way and opens the door to a bygone world. From
the naïve images of Napoleon’s first victory in 1793, through to the high art masterpieces of David and Ingres, what
we are left with today is a breath-taking and sumptuous body of work. This collection encompasses a huge variety
of styles in which only the common reference point is the Napoleonic Wars, and the life of the Emperor himself.
I have chosen to arrange the works chronologically according to when the events depicted took place rather than
by medium, date of creation, nationality or any other of the many criteria which I could have used. This is because
the rise and fall of Napoleon makes for a gripping, and tragic story, one that the works tell by themselves, but that
can be enhanced by an understanding of the events depicted. Therefore I have elected to include a short summary
of the circumstances surrounding each of these scenes. However, as you may well guess when you begin reading, the
book is not intended to serve as a military history, nor is it intended to be a survey of the artists. The idea is instead
to let the images do the talking and provide an opportunity to allow those of us with an interest in the period to
simply immerse ourselves in this work of the artists displayed throughout this book.
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Here then, are the magnificent works of Detaille, Meissonier, Vernet, Lady Butler, Hillingford and many of the
other artists who have sought to capture the incidents of the Napoleonic Wars either as chroniclers of events or with
higher artistic pretensions. Through their work these artists tell an intriguing tale, one of power, greatness, greed
and humility. How the life of one can decide the fates of many, and above all a lesson in humanity. There is much
to be learnt, not just about the art portrayed here, or the accounts of battle, but of courage, of cowardice and of the
inimitable spirit that lurks within the masses.
Developing an interest in the life of Napoleon and the great story it tells, can be addictive and all consuming.
This often leads to the reader developing a second career as an unpaid military historian, as the enthusiast almost
inevitably becomes hooked and embarks on a new course in life in which he relentlessly devours manuscripts and
information. I should hope that this volume may be the spark that ignites that passion for the Napoleonic period.
A thirst that was shared by the fine artists displayed here, who often saw fit to dedicate the body of their work to
one fascinating man and the life journey he embarked upon.
Nations shall rise and fall, yet, this art is permanent and a reminder that from war and conquest can come
something beautiful. So for the purpose of this book it is not important where the original hangs or whether it is
considered a great work of art. These simply make up a selection of old favourites lovingly chosen by one devotee
for the enjoyment of all the others out there.
Thank you for buying this book and I trust it will bring you as much pleasure as I had putting it together.
H. A. Carruthers
Stratford-upon-Avon, 2013
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The Siege At Toulon
18th September - 18Th December, 1793
by Theodore Yung
F
ought from 18th September until 18th December 1793, the Siege of Toulon was an early Republican
victory in the fight against a Royalist counter-rebellion. It was the first opportunity the young
Napoleon Bonaparte had to prove himself as a military tactician. The effects of the French
Revolution upon the country’s army had been severe, as many officers serving in it were from the nobility and
therefore persecuted by rebels, which forced them to flee the country. As a consequence there were opportunities
for promotion from the lower ranks based on ability rather than their social standing, and in early September
Napoleon was duly promoted to Major.
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Napoleon At Toulon
18th September - 18th December, 1793
by édouard Detaille
N
apoleon’s recent promotion gave him the perfect opportunity to showcase his great skill in
effectively deploying limited resources. He had a keen understanding of the terrain needed
to slowly take key areas, and resourceful ideas on how to undermine the British forces holding
Toulon. Whether his role in the final act of the siege was as important as later reported, Napoleon certainly played
a vital part and was able to take full credit for the victory when on 19th December, 1793, the British lost control of
the port. This was to prove a key development in Napoleon’s budding military career as his name became known
by important figures in the revolutionary government, and he was promoted again, this time to Brigadier General,
and given command of the French artillery in Italy.
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